Recommendations

Not recommended for seniors:

It reliefs discomfort caused by a cold (fever, pain). Do not expect it to reduce cough and runny nose, or to speed up healing. It is regarded as very dangerous to seniors, especially when used often. Therefore seniors should avoid it.

Doctors Say That

Using this treatment cause severe damage, especially to seniors with gastric-intestinal infections or hidden kidney disease, which are VERY common. Avoid it, and look for safer alternatives.

Research Summary

Reduces fever, pain (headache, ear pain, and muscle and joint pain) and sneezing. Does not seem to improve cough and runny nose. Does not effect the duration of Common Cold occurrences.

Dangerous

Risks:

Only minor side effects reported in clinical trials, but this treatment is regarded as dangerous to seniors following accumulated evidence with seniors (post marketing). It can cause ulcers and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as kidney failure. In addition, long periods of usage of NSAIDs other then Aspirin may increase the risk of having a heart attack or a stroke.

Common Cold Overview

Medical problem:

Common Cold (symptoms caused by viral infection of the upper respiratory system).

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a drug class that groups together drugs that reduce pain, decrease fever, and, in higher doses, decrease inflammation. Side effects include an increased risk of stomach ulcers and heart attacks. The term nonsteroidal distinguishes these drugs from steroids, which, among a broad range of other effects, have a similar eicosanoid-depressing, anti-inflammatory action. First used in 1960, the term served to distance these medications from steroids. The most prominent members of this group of drugs are aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, all available over the counter in most countries. (source)